
Day of Play
All Ages | Activity
In conjunction with Nassau County Girl Scouts’ Thin Mint Sprint, join for the after-party at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center!
Anyone is welcome to play, whether you’re a scout or not! We have a series of programs designed with Girl Scouts badge requirements in mind.
12:00pm-1:00pm Chalk Art (Tied to Art in the Outdoors badges)
Listen to the sounds of nature, see wildlife and flowers, and make chalk art inspired by your observations.
1:00pm-2:00pm Monarch Tagging Talk and Pollinator Garden BioBlitz
Monarch butterflies are migrating, the bugs are buzzing, and we are going to catalog them—for science! Join us in the garden to help catch-and-release different pollinators.
2:00pm & 2:30pm Microplastics Beach Cleanup
Embark on a half-hour walk to find evidence of microplastics in our Jones Beach sand! Our educators need your help finding and identifying these pieces of garbage. Learn more about why they are so damaging to our ecosystem.
3:00pm-4:00pm Seashell Mandalas
Practice your patterns by arranging found natural materials into beautiful mandalas, and take a polaroid picture home to remember it by.
Outdoors/Indoors?: Both, this event is rain or shine
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
RSVP: No RSVP needed, walk-ins welcome.

Yoga on Deck
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Class
A basic level yoga class with our yoga instructor that will take place outdoors on our ocean-facing deck.
Join the NYS Parks Wellness Challenge to win an exclusive sticker!
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors, weather allowing—otherwise will be indoors.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program begins 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Monarch Tagging
Adults and Families (Ages 6+) | Citizen Science
Join our educators for an exciting community science program to capture, tag, and release Monarchs. The Monarch Watch Tagging Program is a large-scale community science project that was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and recapture.
1:30-1:45: Sign In, Volunteer Registration
1:45-2:00: What is a Monarch? Where are they migrating?
2:00-2:30: Capturing Monarchs
2:30-3:00: Tag & Release
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program begins 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Monarch Tagging
Adults, and Families (Ages 6+) | Citizen Science
Join our educators for an exciting community science program to capture, tag, and release Monarchs. The Monarch Watch Tagging Program is a large-scale community science project that was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and recapture.
1:30-1:45: Sign In, Volunteer Registration
1:45-2:00: What is a Monarch? Where are they migrating?
2:00-2:30: Capturing Monarchs
2:30-3:00: Tag & Release
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program begins 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Yoga on Deck
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Class
A basic level yoga class with our yoga instructor that will take place outdoors on our ocean-facing deck.
Join the NYS Parks Wellness Challenge to win an exclusive sticker!
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors, weather allowing—otherwise will be indoors.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program begins 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Beach Cleanup
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Volunteer
Help beautify our beachfronts by helping us on this cleanup.
10:00am-10:10am: Volunteer Check-in and Paperwork
10:10am- 10:15am: Introductions and Safety Talk.
10:15am- 1:00pm: Beach Cleanup. Distance walked and end time of cleanup dependent on amount of trash present.
Fee: Free / Please give your name to the West End 2 tollbooth to have your vehicle fee waived.
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors. Will be cancelled via email in the case of inclement weather.
Distance: Up to 3 miles walking across sand.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Please scroll down for further information.
For this day at the beach, we will provide:
PPE (gloves)
Garbage bags
Other equipment needed for cleanup
However, we ask that you please bring:
Reusable water bottle
Sun protection
Weather appropriate clothing
Closed toed shoes

Fishing Clinic
Join an educator and learn about the fish that live in Jones Bay with our free rod and reel fishing clinic. All ages welcome. CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY
This program takes place at Jones Beach State Park Field 10 Fishing Piers

CANCELLED: Astronomy Night with AOSNY at Jones Beach Bandshell
Updated 5:00pm 8/22: CANCELLED
Due to complications with the weather this week, tonight’s program is cancelled! The Jones Beach Bandshell and AOSNY may be rescheduling for tomorrow night, but please refer to their Facebook and website for more information:
Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell | Wantagh NY | Facebook
Long Island astronomy - Amateur Observers' Society of New York, Inc.
Sign ups for the rescheduling will not be handled by us—space would be available first come first served.
Speakers:
Amateur Observers’ Society of New York
Established in 1965, the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York (“AOSNY”) was created as a means for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages to meet together. Amateur Astronomy is about helping others, learning, doing, and having fun!
Their mission is to bring Long Island astronomy to the public and provide astronomy resources to members. This expresses their commitment not only to serve their members, but also to educate and inspire the public.
Indigenous Sea Stories Exhibit Opening
Welcome to our grand opening of the Indigenous Sea Stories exhibit, curated by Ma’s House Art Studio in celebration of the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers.

Be a Water Protector Day
A day of family fun! Join a relay race, make bracelets, take a water protector pledge, and more.

Microplastics Beach Cleanup
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Volunteer
Help beautify our beachfronts by helping us on this cleanup.
10:00am-10:10am: Volunteer Check-in and Paperwork
10:10am- 10:15am: Introductions and Safety Talk.
10:15am- 1:00pm: Beach Cleanup. Distance walked and end time of cleanup dependent on amount of trash present.
Fee: Free / Please give your name to the West End 2 tollbooth to have your vehicle fee waived.
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors. Will be cancelled via email in the case of inclement weather.
Distance: Up to 3 miles walking across sand.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Please scroll down for further information.
For this day at the beach, we will provide:
PPE (gloves)
Garbage bags
Other equipment needed for cleanup
However, we ask that you please bring:
Reusable water bottle
Sun protection
Weather appropriate clothing
Closed toed shoes
Community Seining
All Ages, preferred ages 8 and up | Citizen Science Event
Join an educator to learn all about seine fishing and learn all about the aquatic organisms that call Jones Bay home.
Seine fishing employs a large net (seine) with two poles. Two people stand parallel to the shore, each holding one pole. As it sweeps the water, the net catches aquatic organisms. After surveying these organisms, we will be releasing them to the bay.
We will meet at the Center to check-in and use the restrooms, and then you will get back in your vehicle and follow us to the seining site.
Please arrive on time, program departs 10 minutes after start time. If you have any questions, call 516-809-8222.
We will provide:
Seine net
You MUST bring:
Clothes you are comfortable getting wet.
Closed-toe water shoes. NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS.
Water
Sunscreen

Plover Day with Audubon New York
Family fun at the beach! Learn about all the beach nesting birds that call Long Island home. In Partnership with Audubon New York

Wild Wild West End
Howdy, partners! Are you looking for a western-themed fun summer adventure? Join us in the Wild Wild West End for games, crafts, and other activities! Earn gold coins at different activities to redeem for a prize and ride off into the sunset with your loot.

CANELLED: Astronomy Night with AOSNY
Cancelled due to thunderstorms
All Ages | Talk + Activity
Celebrate the solstice! Join us with our guest, AOSNY, for an evening of night skies! The program will start indoors for a brief talk on the winter sky before heading outside as the sky darkens. On our back deck, we will use multiple telescopes to focus on the various celestial bodies.
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors and Outdoors
Weather: In the case of inclement weather, we will notify folks of cancellation via-email, and we will update this webpage morning-of.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Speakers:
Amateur Observers’ Society of New York
Established in 1965, the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York (“AOSNY”) was created as a means for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages to meet together. Amateur Astronomy is about helping others, learning, doing, and having fun!
Their mission is to bring Long Island astronomy to the public and provide astronomy resources to members. This expresses their commitment not only to serve their members, but also to educate and inspire the public.

Teachers’ Workshop
The Teachers’ Workshop provides educators with an immersive experience at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center. Teachers are placed in the role of students, and learn about how to use the building and site to teach students about environmental design, dune ecology, climate change, coastal resilience, and more. Participants can receive CTLE (Continuing Teacher and Leader Education) hours through the New York State Education Department.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Here are some preview questions from the Energy and Us unit. This will cover the first 30 minutes of the workshop
https://forms.office.com/g/7q7qisgE4q
RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

Shark Week with Sharks4Kids
Celebrate Shark Week 2025 on Long Island with Sharks4Kids ambassador, Marissa DeBonis and the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center! Family-friendly fun for all!

Astronomy Night with Dr. J Bret Bennington
All Ages | Guest Lecture
Join Dr. J. Bret Bennington for a night of summer skies! The program will start indoors for a brief talk on the winter sky before heading outside. On our back deck, we will use a telescope to focus on the Moon, the brighter stars, and their constellations.
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors and Outdoors
Weather: In the case of inclement weather, we will notify folks of cancellation via-email, and we will update this webpage morning-of.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Speaker:
Dr. J. Bret Bennington - Chair of the Department of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability, Hofstra University
Dr. Bennington is a paleontologist who is also interested in regional geology and the geologic history of Long Island, his home for most of his life. In 2019 he was honored with the Neil Miner Award by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers for exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth sciences.
Community Seining
All Ages, preferred ages 8 and up | Citizen Science Event
Join an educator to learn all about seine fishing and learn all about the aquatic organisms that call Jones Bay home.
Seine fishing employs a large net (seine) with two poles. Two people stand parallel to the shore, each holding one pole. As it sweeps the water, the net catches aquatic organisms. After surveying these organisms, we will be releasing them to the bay.
We will meet at the Center to check-in and use the restrooms, and then you will get back in your vehicle and follow us to the seining site.
Please arrive on time, program departs 10 minutes after start time. If you have any questions, call 516-809-8222.
We will provide:
Seine net
You MUST bring:
Clothes you are comfortable getting wet.
Closed-toe water shoes. NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS.
Water
Sunscreen

Sunset Yoga
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Class
A basic level yoga class with our yoga instructor that will take place outdoors on our ocean-facing deck.
We encourage attendees to bring their own yoga mats. We have a limited amount of yoga mats at the Center—first come, first served.
Join the NYS Parks Wellness Challenge to win an exclusive sticker!
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors, weather allowing—otherwise will be indoors.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program begins 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Beach Cleanup
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Volunteer
Help beautify our beachfronts by helping us on this cleanup.
9:30am-9:40am: Volunteer Check-in and Paperwork
9:40am- 9:45pm: Introductions and Safety Talk.
9:45am- 11:30am: Beach Cleanup. Distance walked and end time of cleanup dependent on amount of trash present.
Fee: Free / Please give your name to the West End 2 tollbooth to have your vehicle fee waived.
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors. Will be cancelled via email in the case of inclement weather.
Distance: Up to 3 miles walking across sand.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Please scroll down for further information.
For this day at the beach, we will provide:
PPE (gloves)
Garbage bags
Other equipment needed for cleanup
However, we ask that you please bring:
Reusable water bottle
Sun protection
Weather appropriate clothing
Closed toed shoes

Sunset Meditation
Adults & Teens (Ages +12) | Wellness Activity
Stretch out along our ocean-facing deck and observe the sun and watch as it goes down across the horizon.
Join the NYS Parks Wellness Challenge to win an exclusive sticker!
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors, but we will move indoors in the case of inclement weather.
Distance: We will be mostly stationary, but may have a 0.25 mile walk or stretch depending on time available.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Astronomy Night with AOSNY
All Ages | Talk + Activity
Celebrate the solstice! Join us with our guest, AOSNY, for an evening of night skies! The program will start indoors for a brief talk on the winter sky before heading outside as the sky darkens. On our back deck, we will use multiple telescopes to focus on the various celestial bodies.
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors and Outdoors
Weather: In the case of inclement weather, we will notify folks of cancellation via-email, and we will update this webpage morning-of.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Speakers:
Amateur Observers’ Society of New York
Established in 1965, the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York (“AOSNY”) was created as a means for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages to meet together. Amateur Astronomy is about helping others, learning, doing, and having fun!
Their mission is to bring Long Island astronomy to the public and provide astronomy resources to members. This expresses their commitment not only to serve their members, but also to educate and inspire the public.
Website: jonesbeachenc.org
Instagram: @JonesBeachENC

Global Wind Day Crafts
Children (Ages 3-12) | Class
What moves the clouds in the sky? What pushes the waves to shore? That’s right, WIND! Celebrate Global Wind Day by creating an easy breezy craft with us at the Center.
There are two 30-minute sessions. Please select either 10:30am or 11:30am.
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors for the craft, with a short outdoor walk.
RSVP: RSVP Required.

BioBlitz: Trail Exploration
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Citizen Science
Help us catalog the species that can be found at Jones Beach State Park during the summer! Please have the free “iNaturalist” app pre-downloaded and bring your own smartphone to participate in this program.
We will be walking outdoors on our trails to find different species. Please dress for the weather.
Learn more about iNaturalist here:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Distance: Up to 1 mile of walking across sand and/or pavement
RSVP: RSVP Required
Community Seining
All Ages, preferred ages 8 and up | Citizen Science Event
Join an educator to learn all about seine fishing and learn all about the aquatic organisms that call Jones Bay home.
Seine fishing employs a large net (seine) with two poles. Two people stand parallel to the shore, each holding one pole. As it sweeps the water, the net catches aquatic organisms. After surveying these organisms, we will be releasing them to the bay.
We will meet at the Center to check-in and use the restrooms, and then you will get back in your vehicle and follow us to the seining site.
Please arrive on time, program departs 10 minutes after start time. If you have any questions, call 516-809-8222.
We will provide:
Seine net
You MUST bring:
Clothes you are comfortable getting wet.
Closed-toe water shoes. NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS.
Water
Sunscreen

Beach Cleanup
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Volunteer
Help beautify our beachfronts by helping us on this cleanup.
1:30pm-1:40pm: Volunteer Check-in and Paperwork
1:40pm- 1:45pm: Introductions and Safety Talk.
1:45pm- 4:00pm: Beach Cleanup. Distance walked and end time of cleanup dependent on amount of trash present.
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors. Will be cancelled via email in the case of inclement weather.
Distance: Up to 3 miles walking across sand.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.
Please scroll down for further information.
For this day at the beach, we will provide:
PPE (gloves)
Garbage bags
Other equipment needed for cleanup
However, we ask that you please bring:
Reusable water bottle
Sun protection
Weather appropriate clothing
Closed toed shoes

Yoga on Deck
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Class
A basic level yoga class with our yoga instructor that will take place outdoors on our ocean-facing deck.
Join the NYS Parks Wellness Challenge to win an exclusive sticker!
Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors, weather allowing—otherwise will be indoors.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
Program begins 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

BioBlitz: By the Bay
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Citizen Science
Help us catalog the species that can be found at Jones Beach State Park during the summer! Please have the free “iNaturalist” app pre-downloaded and bring your own smartphone to participate in this program.
We will be walking outdoors on our trails to find different species. Please dress for the weather.
Learn more about iNaturalist here:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Distance: Up to 1 mile of walking across sand and/or pavement
RSVP: RSVP Required



Earth Day Beach Cleanup
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Volunteer
Happy Earth Day! Help beautify our beachfronts by helping us on this cleanup.
1:30pm-1:40pm : Volunteer Check-in and Paperwork
1:40pm-1:45pm: Safety Talk and Introductions
1:45pm- 4:00pm: Beach Cleanup. Distance walked and time of cleanup dependent on amount of trash present.
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors.
Distance: Up to 3 miles walking across sand.
RSVP: RSVP Required.
For this day at the beach, we will provide:
PPE (gloves)
Garbage bags
Other equipment needed for the cleanup and survey
However, we ask that you please bring:
Reusable water bottle
Sun protection
Weather appropriate clothing
Closed toed shoes

BioBlitz: Tracks and Traces
Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Citizen Science
Help us catalog the species that can be found at Jones Beach State Park during the winter! Please have the free “iNaturalist” app pre-downloaded and bring your own smartphone to participate in this program.
We will be walking outdoors on our trails to find different species. Please dress for the weather.
Learn more about iNaturalist here:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects
Fee: Free
Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors
Distance: Up to 1 mile of walking across sand and/or pavement
RSVP: RSVP Required